Chain conveyor,a conveyor chain and a bend segment for the track of such chain conveyor

ABSTRACT

A chain conveyor is described, which comprises a track including at least one bend zone and a conveyor chain. The track comprises two spaced parallel rails (2, 3) over which the chain can move. The chain has links (4) presenting a substantially rectangular carrying surface made of synthetic plastics material and a connecting system (5, 6, 7) situated below the carrying surface and including hinge eyes (5, 6) on opposite sides of each link (4) and a hinge pin (7) of ferromagnetic material passed through the hinge eyes (5, 6) of each pair of adjacent links (4), thereby hinging adjacent links (4) together. The chain is capable of flexing not only about the hinge pins (7) but also in the plane of transport defined by the carrying surfaces of the successive links (4). Guide surfaces depend from the underside of the carrying surfaces (4) for guiding the chain laterally relative to the rails (2, 3). The maximum perpendicular distance between these guide surfaces is shorter than the minimum perpendicular distance between the guide surfaces formed on the rails (2, 3). Exclusively in the bend zones of the track, in the space between the two rails, under the connecting system of the links (4), means are provided for generating a magnetic field (8) to exercise attraction on the hinge pins (7) and thereby to hold the chain flat on the rails (2, 3) in the bend zone.



